Dunn-Edwards® 2019 Color of the Year: Spice of Life (DET439)

Design Trends

Dunn-Edwards 2019 Color of the Year, Spice of Life, is inspired by a celebration of what makes life interesting and exciting. It’s warm, inviting, adventurous and life-affirming. This strong, enticing, spice-market blend adds a complex, flavorful seasoning to design palettes. The elements of orange in the hue give a grounded, substantial feeling to design.

In 2019, as the information age reaches its peak, our lives are inundated with technology, constant communication and more self-inflicted stress. In these always-connected times, we start to crave real, genuineconnections with the Earth and with each other.

These feelings are reflected in the movement away from cooler hues toward more earth-inspired color, reminiscent of naturalist motifs; bohemian moods; the great American West; and an anticipation of exploring the red planet, Mars.

We are encouraged by the richness and diversity of Mediterranean culture and authenticity. We want to surround ourselves with a mixture of craft, design, heritage ornamentation and modernity. We long for thesimplicity of basics with an extra dose of soul. We love folklore stories, journeys back in time and exotic influences.

About Spice of LifeThe term “Spice of Life” comes from William Cowper's poem, “The Task” (1785): “Variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.” Spice of Life is an outgoing, confident hue that adds drama and stimulates the senses. It makes a bold statement and reflects exotic tastes in design and life, with a melding of diverse and global cultural influences.

Nature as InspirationAs the world continues to change daily, we seek solace and respite in and gain strength from nature. Nature-inspired, autumnal and life-confirming hues such as Spice of Life are strong and authentic, organic and full of humanity, exuding a warm and welcome touch. And, as champions of Earth, we seek to guard our surroundings — and earth-drawn hues such as Spice of Life connect us and reinforce our commitment to Mother Nature.

A Well-Traveled Life is a Well-Lived LifeSpice of Life is a globally and culturally shaped hue. With a continued trend in the increase of travel for inspiration, health and wellness, and volunteerism, a wealth of global cultural influences is broughtback from these travels — along with a love of diverse palettes and profound sense of self-expression. Deep, warm and inviting hues such as Spice of Life highlight these adventures and a strength in the freedom to explore one’s unique design vision.

Looking BackFrom a folklore aesthetic that’s renewed a revival of interest in the American naturalist painters of the 19th and 20th centuries — such as Andrew Wyeth, Georgia O’Keeffe and Edward Hopper, whose use of color, realism and craft show American folk heritage — Spice of Life is a rich, exotic hue that symbolizes nostalgic journeys back in time.

The HueSpice of Life, a global, rich spicy hue that is represented in our “Sojourn” 2019 color trends story, highlights a palette that celebrates layers of cultures and eras that blend harmoniously, combining modesty and thegrandiose.

This strong, full-bodied and intense hue, full of passion and life, can look organic and natural or appearmoody and sophisticated. In its organic and natural world, Spice of Life represents a colorful expression inspired by global crafts. When playing subdued and stylish, this lush, refined hue is eternal — historic, yet youthful.

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